New Big Top Tent by the numbers
Big Top Original Productions
NEW SEASON . NEW TENT .
BY CLAIRE DUQUETTE
When the blue and gray canvas sidewalls open and let the crowd in on the first night of the 2014 Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua season , those concert-goers will be the first to hear the sweet sound of music under a new canvas tent .
The fifth new tent in Big Top ’ s 28 years will seat over 900 with sidewalls that open up wider to allow cool summer breezes in and offer improved sight lines for those sitting on the grounds .
“ It ’ s an historic event , the delivery of a brand-new canvas tent ,” said Big Top Executive Director Terry Matier . “ They just don ’ t make them like this any more . Warren ( Big Top founder Warren Nelson ) used to always breathe in the smell of the canvas and say ‘ there is no smell like a new tent ’. I ’ m not looking forward to the smell as much as the sight of it . It will be magnificent !”
The new tent became a necessity after fierce 2013 windstorms ripped holes in the previous tent that could be
patched over , but threatened the overall integrity of the aging canvas . Given the situation , the structure had to be considered a total loss . It was a challenge the staff , board and generous Big Top patrons met by raising funds for a brand-new tent , ensuring Big Top ’ s musical magic will continue .
They only briefly considered anything other than canvas for the new tent .
“ Vinyl is more popular for structures now ,” said Big Top Operations Manager and musician Phil Anich , “ but the acoustics are lousy .”
He explained that when sound hits vinyl , it slaps back , creating a harsh effect . Canvas , on the other hand , absorbs the sound in a way that is pleasing to the ear .
To stitch together the behemoth structure , Big Top turned once again to Anchor Industries Inc . of Evansville , Ind . to sew a new tent both strong and beautiful . Sewing canvas is something of a dying art , as synthetic fabrics have come to dominate the niche once held
New Big Top Tent by the numbers
• 70 x 140 feet
• 483 feet in circumference
• 4 center poles – 29 feet tall
• 20 quarter poles – 19 feet tall
• 64 side poles – 10 feet tall
• 950 seats
• 2,100 yards of royal blue canvas
• 900 yards of pearl gray canvas
• Sewing crew included :
• 5 sewing operators
• 3 bench workers putting in rope holes and grommets
• 3 folders
• 1 supervisor
• 2,000 pounds of canvas in five 400-pound rolls
• 1,467 hours of labor
• $ 140,000 price tag
by canvas . But Anchor Industries still makes canvas tents and other items – including this very special tent .
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Big Top Original Productions
Join us for our own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by Big Top ’ s Blue Canvas Orchestra and Singers that bear the hallmark of exquisite musicianship illustrated by big-screen visuals .
Under the heading of our historical musicals , the real heartbeat of the Big Top , we have explored our waters , our forests , our Native tribes , the golden era of railroads , and the agriculture and industry that built this area . This year Big Top Founder , Warren Nelson , brings us his newest work “ Take Me To The Islands ,” an illustrated history of the Apostle Islands . Also new in 2014 is “ Shanties & Shipwrecks ,” our celebration of sailing and our honoring of those who went down with the ship .
Another style of original show pays homage to our favorite songwriters and musicians such as Paul Simon , Cat Stevens , Joni Mitchell , Carole King , and Crosby , Stills & Nash . This year we reprise our Bob Dylan Retrospective called “ Highway 61 Revisited .” New this year is “ Big Top Opry ” celebrating the classic Country and Western songs by the likes of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline .
You haven ’ t fully experienced the Big Top until you ’ ve seen the Original Shows ! This year : Riding the Wind , Highway 61 Revisited , Blue Canvas Rewind , Big Top Opry , Shanties & Shipwrecks , Take Me To The Islands , Blue Canvas Orchestra in Concert plus New First Night , Tent Show Radio Live !, & Old Last Night variety shows .
Support of Big Top ’ s original productions provided by The Boldt Company
Promotional support provided by
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